Klimt’s obsession with pattern is evident in all of his paintings from his art-nouveau inspired ornately decorated painting to his portraits and paintings of landscapes and nature. His work is full of intricate details, abstracted shapes and motifs that suggest pattern - almost every surface in his paintings is busy with texture.
At the same time he uses plain block colour to contrast with these vibrant patterns to maximum effect, framing his subjects with unusual shapes, or wild backgrounds that seem to suggest a story all of their own. When considering what constituted pattern, Klimt was particularly useful to me, pushing the boundaries of art and illustrative design.
